Relationship between the distribution of geological conditions and four Betula species habitats

Abstract

The present report was intended to elucidate the distribution factors of the habitats of four Betula spp. (Betula platyphylla var. japonica, B. davurica, B. grossa and B. schmidtii) in the Soto-Chichibu Mountains.The habitats of B. platyphylla var. japonica and B. davurica were mainly distributed along the upper slopes of the Sanbagawa metamorphic rock areas. The habitats of B. grossa and B. schmidtii were mainly distributed along the upper and lower slopes (B. grossa) and rocky ridges (B. schmidtii) of the Chichibu paleo-mesozoic rock areas.Distribution of the four Betula spp. habitats was controlled by landform conditions associated with geological differences.